President's Message - February 2011

Website archive 1995-2013

February 2011

by
Lauri Roche

Out here in our far west coast bit of heaven, we can often forget that there is
a National society in central Ontario that is working away for our interests and
it is only when the General Assembly decides to increase our dues that we let
our thoughts travel much beyond our island shores. Recently, however, the
executive council, made up of representatives from all over Canada, has
developed a Strategic Plan that will serve as a guideline for the organization
for the next two to three years. There have been meetings, debates, arguments
and consultation for several months now. I know that some of you have sent in
comments to the council, voicing your own opinions. Our National President, Mary
Lou Whitehorne, has recently written to councils to update us on what has been
happening and a final statement will be released soon.

The Plan has a Mission statement, a Vision statement, a Values statement and
then seven strategic objectives that the RASC will work toward. If you have not
seem them or don't know what they are, then I happen to have the summary right
here.

Take a quick read; it takes about a minute but will give you some insight into
what is happening and will be happening with our society.

Mission

The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC)
encourages improved understanding of astronomy for all, through
education, outreach, research, publication, partnership, and community.
Founded in 1868, the RASC is Canada's leading astronomy organization
with local Centres throughout the country.

Vision

To inspire curiosity in all Canadians about the universe, to share
scientific knowledge, and to foster collaboration in astronomical
pursuits.

Values

The RASC has a proud heritage of excellence and integrity in its
programmes and partnerships. As a vital part of Canada's science
community, we support discovery through the scientific method. We
inspire and encourage people of all ages to learn about and enjoy
astronomy.

RASC Seven Strategic Objectives 2011-2013

Implement Centre Support Program by 2011 June 1.

Implement Volunteer Support Program by 2011 June 1.

Improve response time for customer service delivery from one
week to three business days by 2011 December 31.

Increase revenues from present and new sources by 30 percent by
2013 December 31.

Increase RASC membership to 5000 members by 2013 December 31.

The Executive Director and MAP Committee will develop a
marketing and communications plan by 2010 December 31.

Make recommendations on By Law reform by 2011 December 31.

What do you think? Would you like more information, particularly about the
objectives and why they were chosen? Just reading them here, somewhat isolated
from the background discussions that brought them forward, might not be too
engaging for the general membership but each objective is responding to a
particular problem area such as financing, marketing or communication that has
needed some revitalization over the last several years within the society. The
objectives are positive steps for pointing the organization in new directions.
The entire document is available to members on-line at the National site and I
can direct you to it easily.

Key points for me are the Volunteer Support Program that already has presented
some of its new initiatives to local centers and the increased attention to
augmenting membership at the National level. We already have fantastic
volunteers here in Victoria but we can always use some extra support and new
ideas. We also want to continue to increase our membership at the local level so
the initiatives from National will be welcomed.

Please let me know what you think. If you have any comments or suggestions for
programs or initiatives you would like to see our Victoria group or the national
organization implement just give me a call. Let's see where this new plan will
take us.

The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada is dedicated
to the promotion of astronomy and its related sciences; we espouse the
scientific method, and support dissemination of discoveries and
theories based on that well-tested method.